Kentucky students have powerful stories to tell about belonging, connection, and the adults and peers who make school feel like a place they want to be. This year, STLP is proud to partner with KDE’s You Belong! Attendance Matters campaign by sharing a new statewide video and poster contest that elevates student voice while supporting stronger attendance across the Commonwealth.
Why this matters
Kentucky defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the enrolled school year for any reason, which can be as little as 2 days per month. When students miss school, they miss learning and relationships that help them thrive.
The You Belong! Attendance Matters contest is designed to help schools and districts engage students in creating authentic, student-made messages that reinforce belonging and the importance of showing up.
About the contest
Students can participate in one (or both) tracks:
- Video Track: Student-created videos (15–30 seconds) that show what belonging looks like and why attendance matters.
- Poster Track: Digital posters (8.5×11 or 11×17) that highlight belonging and attendance messaging and may include QR codes or links to resources.
Who can participate
This opportunity is open to K–12 public school students across Kentucky, with submissions grouped by grade bands (K–5, 6–8, 9–12). Individual students, small groups, classes, and school-wide teams are welcome. Districts select and submit final entries (one per track, per grade band).
Important deadlines
- Registration deadline: Feb. 13, 2026
- District submission deadline (to KDE): March 13, 2026
- KDE final submission deadline: March 27, 2026
- Submission notes you’ll want to know
Video entries must be MP4, posted to YouTube as “Unlisted,” and submitted via a link (with a separate credits/reference document).
Poster entries must be PDF or PNG and shared via a Google Drive link (also with a separate credits/reference document).
All entries should reflect STLP-aligned expectations for digital citizenship, originality, and responsible technology use.
Use of AI and integrity expectations
Student work must be original, and sources must be credited. The packet also explains that AI-generated images/video/text may be used only when clearly noted, accurately credited in the separate reference document, and supplemented with meaningful student creativity.
How winners will be recognized at STLP State
Winners will be celebrated live during the STLP State Championship Awards on April 24, 2026, and top entries may be featured in KDE’s statewide You Belong! Attendance Matters campaign efforts and future showcases.
Access the video and poster contest packet here
Visit KDE’s Attendance Matters website.
Want more ways for students to shine through STLP?
STLP State is a statewide celebration of student-created work, including Project Presentations, Creative Digital Arts (CDA), and Challenge experiences.
Creative Digital Arts (CDA) is a great fit for students creating digital photography, animation, video, music, AR, and storytelling. The CDA entry deadline is Jan. 14, 2026.
To explore STLP opportunities, resources, and key dates, visit the STLP main website and the CDA information pages.